Special Nutrients for Arthritis
B-Complex Vitamins
Studies show that Vitamin B6 is essential to joint health. Various research projects have demonstrated that a deficiency of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is associated with degeneration of joint tissues. In addition to their ability to strengthen joints, the B vitamins perform one other particularly useful task; they detoxify the body from the additives in the pet foods, like preservatives, artificial coloring, and hormones. The B-complex of vitamins also support the liver as they break down the toxins and deactivate hormones so they can be excreted.
Furthermore, there is evidence that both vitamin Vitamin B12 and folic acid lessen the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Why this occurs is not clear. Flavonoids also can help osteoarthritis.
In order for the body to metabolize vitamin C and make use of other nutrients, flavonoids must be present. These are a large class of nutrient (more than 4 thousand different types) and are found in virtually all foods. Like the carotenoids, flavonoids are biological pigments, contributing the coloring of most fruits and flowers.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids offer exceptional protection against a wide range of free radicals. They can slow the progress of osteoarthritis and help reverse the disease by
- helping collagen form a strong matrix
- Limiting damage of tissue by free radicals
- Decreasing inflammation
- Preserving collagen
- helping injuries heal more rapidly
Food Sources for Flavonoids
Food sources for flavonoids include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. Citrus, berries, onions, and green tea contain the highest concentration of these nutrients. Of course, most animals have no interest in these foods, but a good supplement should provide all the necessary flavonoids. As always, talk with your veterinarian before giving your pet flavonoids.
Healthy Oils That lessen inflammation
Although fats have a reputation for being unhealthy, certain oils, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), can actually help the arthritic patient, both human and animal.
Oils are fats that ae liquid at room temperature. Some oils are categorized as omega-6 fatty acids, and others are known as omega-3. These fatty acids are the raw material that make up prostaglandins, hormone-like molecules that can trigger inflammation that can trigger inflammation in a variety of body tissues.
The important thing to remember that omega-6 fatty acids have a tendency to convert to the inflammatory prostaglandins, while the omega-3 fatty acids convert to noninflammatory prostaglandins. And where are these omega-3 fatty acids found in the food supply? In fish oils, walnuts, and flaxseed as well as flaxseed oil. They are also available commercially, as a supplement.
As the omega-6 fatty acids convert to prostaglandins, arachidonic acid forms. Arachidonic acid eventually turns into a type of prostaglandins that can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, arachidonic acid is also plentiful in beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and chicken. In addition, organ meats commonly used in pet foods such as heart and kidney, have high levels of arachidonic acid.
The conscientious pet owner is now presented with a true quandery. How can you feed your pet the meat it needs to be healthy without making the symptoms of arthritis worse? Actually. this is where omega-3 fatty acids come to the rescue. You can counteract the effects of arachidonic acid by adding omega-3-rich flaxseed oil to the diet of whole grains, vegetables, and moderate amounts of fish and chicken. The omega-3 in the flaxseed oil can then reduce inflammation caused by arachidonic acid. Find out from your veterinarian what is the most appropriate level of flaxseed oil to add to your pet's diet.
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